System for automatic control of process of boiling, vacuum cooling and dehydration of food stuffs

ABSTRACT

A system for automatic control of the processes of boiling, vacuum cooling, draining a condensate and dehydration of foodstuffs, preferably meat and fish in a chamber employed for treating the foodstuffs, comprises a control unit for sending control signals during time intervals, a circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling and dehydration connected to the control unit, a unit for controlling the temperature of boiling the food stuffs connected to the control unit, an actuating mechanism controlled by the control unit and connecting the chamber with the atmosphere, an actuating mechanism for draining off condensate from the chamber controlled by the control unit and an actuating mechanism for controlling the temperature connected to the temperature control unit. The system is fully automatic and utilizes further control means for accomplishing the above-said function.

United States Patent [72] Inventors Vyacheslav Petrovich Zablyakinulitsa Krasnokamennaya, 26b, kv. 2; Lev lvanovich Abramian, pereulokSeverny, 9, kv. 7; Alexander Pavlovich Anisimov, ulitsa Sergeeva, 27,kv. 2; Oleg Ivanovich Nikishin, pereulok Serverny, 5, kv. 15; LjudmilaDmitrievna Saranova. Leninsky prospekt, 90, kv. l8, Kaliningrad, andTatyana Konstantinovna Berends, Maly Kakovinsky pereulok, 6, kv. 9,

Primary Examiner-Billy J. Wilhite AnameyWaters, Roditi, Schwartz &Nissen ABSTRACT: A system for automatic control of the processes ofboiling, vacuum cooling, draining a condensate and dehydration offoodstuffs, preferably meat and fish in a chamber employed for treatingthe foodstufis, comprises a control unit for sending control signalsduring time intervals, a circuit for prescribing the program of vacuumcooling and dehydration connected to the control unit, a unit forcontrolling the temperature of boiling the food stuffs connected to thecontrol unit, an actuating mechanism controlled by the control unit andconnecting the chamber with the atmosphere, an actuating mechanism fordraining oilcondensate from the chamber controlled by the control unitand an actuating mechanism for controlling the temperature connected tothe temperature control unit. The system is fully automatic and utilizesfurther control means for accomplishing the abovesaid function.

PATENTED SEP28 19. 1

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The known systems are disadvantageous in that they fail to ensure thecontrol of the processes with a sufficient accuracy, for example theyare not suitable for controlling the process of the vacuum cooling anddehydration according to a required program, and this fact leads toruptures of the tissues of the foodstuff being treated.

An object of the invention is to provide such a system for an automaticcontrol of the process of boiling, vacuum cooling and dehydration offoodstuffs, which prevent the possibility of ruptures of the tissues ofthe food stuffs during their treatment.

According to the above and other objects, the essence of the inventionconsists in that the system for automatic control of the process ofboiling, vacuum cooling and dehydration of foodstuffs, preferably meatand fish, comprises in combination: a control unit which producescontrol signals through time intervals required by the technologicalprocess; a circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration connected to the said control unit; a unit for controllingthe food-boiling temperature also connected to the said control unit; anactuating mechanism controlled by the said control unit and coupling thetechnological apparatus, employed,

for treating foodstuffs, with the atmosphere; an actuating 1 mechanismfor draining off the condensate from the technological apparatus, thisactuating mechanism being controlled by the said control unit; and anactuating mechanism connected to the said temperature-control unit andused for controlling the temperature.

The system may be provided with a unit to control the process of vacuumcooling and dehydration of foodstuffs, by

means of controlling the actuating mechanism, creating a vacuum in thetechnological apparatus, connected with the said circuit for prescribingthe program of vacuum cooling and dehydration, the above-said controlunit and circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration being covered by a negative feedback, the control unit beingconnected to an actuating mechanism for eliminating the vacuum.

The above-mentioned control unit may include a unit for selecting theoperating conditions of the technological apparatus and for starting thesystem; a unit for controlling the said actuating mechanism, couplingthe technological apparatus with the atmosphere, connected to the saidunit for selection of the operating conditions and for starting thesystem; a unit for controlling the supply of steam and for operating thesaid unit, controlling the food-boiling temperature, connected to thesaid unit for selection of the operating conditions and for starting thesystem; a unit for controlling the said actuating mechanism for drainingoff the condensate from the technological apparatus connected to thesaid unit for controlling the steam supply and operated thereby, to theunit for controlling the actuating mechanism, coupling the technologicalapparatus with the atmosphere to set the latter to the initial conditionwhen operating under an excessive pressure developed by the heatingsteam, and also connected to the said circuit for prescribing theprogram of vacuum cooling and dehydration in order to put the latterinto operation; a unit for controlling the said mechanism eliminatingthe vacuum after creating thereof according to a prescribed program ofcooling, connected to the said circuit for prescribing the program ofvacuum cooling and dehydration; and a signalling unit to indicate thecommencement and end of the process of vacuum cooling and dehydration,this unit being connected to the said unit for selection of theoperating conditions and for starting the system and to the circuit forprescribing the program of vacuum cooling and dehydration.

The unit for selection of the operating conditions of the technologicalapparatus and for starting the system may comprise a starting elementconnected to the said supply unit and commutating elements connected tothe said starting element.

It is desirable, that the unit for controlling the actuating mechanism,connecting the technological apparatus with the atmosphere, shouldaccommodate the following components: a control circuit to control theexcessive pressure operation, a control circuit to control the operationfeaturing no excessive pressure; and OR circuit the inputs of which areconnected with the said control circuits; a control signal poweramplifier connected to the said OR" circuit.

The control circuit for the duty without an excessive pressure maycomprise a memory cell for storing the signal, operating the actuatingmechanism, connecting the technological apparatus with the atmosphere,connected to a corresponding commutating element of the said unit forselection of the operating continuous and for starting the system.

The control circuit for the duty with an excessive pressure may beprovided with a memory cell for storing the signal, operating theactuating mechanism for connection of the technological apparatus withthe atmosphere, and a device for adjusting the operating time of theactuating mechanism connected to the said memory cell for erasing thesignals therein, the said memory cell being connected to a correspondingcommutating element of the said unit for selection of the operatingconditions and for starting the system.

The unit for controlling the steam supply may comprise the followingcomponents: a memory cell for storing a signal, connected to the saidstarting element and employed for switching on the said temperaturecontrol unit; a time-delay relay; a pneumoelectric transducer, connectedto the said memory cell and used for switching on the said time-delayrelay; an electropneumatic transducer for erasing the signal in the saidmemory cell, the last-mentioned transducer being connected to the memorycell and to the said time-delay relay.

The unit for controlling the actuating mechanism for draining off thecondensate may comprise a memory cell for storing a signal, controllingthe operation of the said actuating mechanism and connected with thesaid electropneumatic transducer; devices for adjusting the operatingtime of the said actuating mechanism and for erasing the information inthe said memory cells of the considered unit and of the control circuitfor the duty without an excessive pressure; a control signal poweramplifier, switching on the said actuating mechanism, the output of thepower amplifier being connected to the output of the memory cell of thecontrol unit under consideration.

The unit for controlling the actuating mechanism, eliminating thevacuum, is preferably provided with the following elements: a device foradjusting the operating time of the said actuating mechanism aftercreating the vacuum, connected to the said circuit for prescribing theprogram of vacuum cooling and dehydration; a valve for feeding the saiddevice for adjusting the operating time; a signal power amplifier,switching on the said actuating mechanism for eliminating the vacuum inthe technological apparatus, connected to the said device for adjustingthe operating time.

The signalling unit, indicating the commencement and end of the processof boiling, vacuum cooling and dehydration, is preferably provided withthe following devices: a signalling element pneumoelectric transducersof the signal of the commencement and end of the process of boiling andcooling, connected to the said starting unit; a device for adjusting theduration of the control signal by means of the above-said signallingelement, connected to the said unit for prescribing the program ofcooling; a valve, feeding the said device, ad-

justing the control signal duration.

The circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration may be provided with the following elements: a unit forpreparing the circuit to operation, a timing unit for coding theswitching signals in a binary code, connected to the said preparingunit; a decoder for decoding the output signals of the timing unit; apulse shaping unit for adjusting the time delay of the signals fed fromthe said decoder; a signal commutator for the said pulse-shaping unit; astarting unit, connected to the said shaping unit; a unit forprescribing the rate of setting the linear sections of the program ofvacuum cooling and dehydration, connected to the said decoder andcommutator; a unit for prescribing the threshold of the linear sectionsof the vacuum cooling and dehydration, connected to the said decoder, aunit for setting a time constant of the exponential sections of theprogram of vacuum cooling and dehydration, connected to the saiddecoder; a unit for presetting an asymptote of the exponential sectionsof the program of vacuum cooling and dehydration, connected to the saiddecoder and to the said unit for setting the time constant; an outputunit for switching the components of the circuit in accordance with theoutput power of the output signal, connected to the said decoder, unitsfor prescribing the rate of setting and the threshold of the linearsections and units for setting the time constant and asymptote of theexponential sections.

It is advisable that the circuit for prescribing the program of vacuumcooling and dehydration be provided with valves for transferring thesystem is ready signal and with starting member, connected with the saidvalves.

In the circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration the said timing unit for the decoding may comprise memorycells.

It is expedient, that the circuit for prescribing the program of vacuumcooling and dehydration be provided with an inverter for conversion ofthe single-shot input signal into a zero signal and vice versa, as wellas with valves for passing the command signals.

The circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration is preferably made in the form of OR" elements.

In the circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration the starting unit may comprise a memory cell for storing thestarting pulse and also may comprise a pulse shaper for erasing thesignal in the said memory cell.

In the circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration the unit for prescribing the rate of setting the linearsections may be provided with the following elements: a cell forprescribing the rate of setting; a constant drop cell for permanentsupply of the said cell for prescribing the rate of setting and variablecapacitors for accurate adjustment of the rate of setting the linearsections.

In the circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration the unit for prescribing the threshold of the linearsections may comprise a cell for presetting the necessary values of thethresholds and valves for sending a signal for shaping the linearsections.

The unit for setting the time constant of the exponential sections maycomprise valves for preparing the said unit to the operation, inertiacells and valves for sending the signals for shaping the necessaryexponential signal.

It is advisable, that the unit for presetting the asymptotes of theexponential sections be made in the form of a unit for presetting thenecessary values of the asymptotes and in the form of signal shapingvalves.

The unit for switching the circuit components in accordance with thepower of the output signal may comprise the following elements: acomparison element, transferring the program of shaping from the shapingof the linear sections to the shaping of the exponential sections; afirst accumulator for continuous adding of the signals, corresponding tothe threshold of the linear sections and their current values; a secondaccumulator for adding the signals corresponding to the threshold of thelinear section and to the asymptote of the exponential section; acomparison element whose input is connected to the second accumulatorand the output is connected to the said timing unit; a switch connectedto the said unit for prescribing the rate of setting the linearsections, to the comparison element and to the first accumulator; apower amplifier, amplifying the command signal and connected to the saidswitch, the above comparison elements and power amplifier being coveredby a negative feedback.

The above and other objects and features of the invention will appearmore fully hereinafter from a consideration of the following descriptiontaken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein someembodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become morereadily apparent and the invention will be between understood byreference to some embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with theappended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a structural diagram of the system for automatic control ofthe process of boiling, vacuum cooling and dehydration, according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the power-supply unit of the systemaccording to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the control unit, according to theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of prescribing the program of cooling, according tothe invention,

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the program of cooling tuna meat after theheat treatment.

An embodiment of the pneumatic system for automatic control of theprocess of boiling, vacuum cooling and dehydration of the tuna meat isdescribed below.

The technological apparatus or chamber 1 (FIG. 1) for boiling and vacuumcooling of tuna meat is equipped with diaphragm actuating mechanism 2,3, 4, 5 and 6 for communication with the atmosphere, temperaturecontrol, draining off the condensate, creating the vacuum, according tothe required program of the vacuum cooling, and for eliminating thevacuum, according to the same program, respectively.

The diaphragm-actuating mechanism 2, 4 and 6 are controlled by thecontrol unit 7 by means of sending pneumatic signals in the form ofpressure of compressed air to these mechanisms.

The supply of steam into the technological apparatus 1 for boiling thetuna meat is effected by the diaphragm-actuating mechanism 3 which iscontrolled by a temperature-control unit, operated by the control unit7, and comprises a temperature transmitter 8 for measuring thetemperature within the technological apparatus 1, for example a gasthermometer with a pneumatic output, and a regulator 9, for example apneumatic regulator, which is associated with a diaphragm-actuatingmechanism 3.

The vacuum in the technological apparatus 1 is controlled by means ofthe diaphragm-actuating mechanism 5 according to a required program ofcooling the tuna meat, the mechanism 5, in turn, is controlled by avacuum-control unit comprising a pickup 10, for example a vacuummanometer with a pneumatic output, for measuring the vacuum in thetechnological apparatus 1, and a regulator 11, for example a pneumaticregulator, to which is connected to the diaphragmactuating mechanism 5.

The program of vacuum cooling of the tuna meat is set by the circuit 12,prescribing the cooling program, and then is applied to the regulator11, the circuit 12 for prescribing the cooling program being put intooperation by the control unit 7. At the moment of reducing the vacuum inthe technological apparatus 1 this circuit sends a control signal to thecontrol unit 7, which forms a signal for controlling thediaphragm-actuating mechanism 6.

The power supply unit 13 is connected to e control unit 7, to thepickups 8 and 10, to the regulators 9 and 11 and to the circuit 12 forprescribing the program of cooling and supplying the above componentswith compressed air.

The power-supply unit comprises a power pack 14 (FIG. 2) and a unit 15for presetting excessive pressures and is intended for cleaning the airfrom moisture, oil and dust and for reducing the air pressure to thevalues of 1.4 ltgJcm. percent, 0.8 lag/cm. and 0.4 kgJcmf.

The powerpack of the power supply unit consists of moisture separatorsl6 and 17 for dehydration of the air, a

' manometer 18 for indicating the pressure of the fed air, filters 19and 20 for cleaning the air from oil and dust, pressure regulators 21and 22 for reducing the pressure of the working air to L4 kg./cm.manometers 23 and 24 for indicating the reduced pressure, two capacities25 and 26 which serve as air receivers and are employed for supplyingthe system.

The unit 15 for presetting the excessive pressures consists ofpresetting elements 27, 28, 29 and and manometers 31, 32, 33 and 34 andis intended for prescribing the values of the excessive pressure underwhich the working air is fed into the closed chambers of the pneumaticrelays for transferring the latter to the initial condition.

The excessive pressure may be equalto 0.8 kg./cm. and 0.4

kg./cm.

The elements 27, 28 and 29 are intended for setting the pressure of 0.8kgJcmF, while the element 30 is used for setting the pressure of 0.4kg./cm. The manometers 31, 32, 33 and 34 are designed to indicate thevalue of the excessive pressure.

The control unit 7 (FIG. 1) is used for automatic control of theoperation of the technological apparatus by sending through definitetime intervals pneumatic signals to the diaphragmactuating mechanisms,according to a prescribed program.

The control unit is built around standard components of industrialpneumatic automation.

The control unit comprises a unit 35 (FIG. 3) for selection of theoperating conditions of the technological apparatus and for starting thesystem, a unit 36 to control the diaphragm-actuating mechanism 2(FIG. 1) connecting the technological apparatus 1 with the atmosphere,connected to the unit 35 for.

selection of the operating conditions and for starting the system, and aunit 37 for controlling the steam supply and for operating the unit,controlling the temperature of boiling the tuna meat, connected with thesaid unit 35 for selection of the operating conditions and starting thesystem. The unit 38, which controls the diaphragmactuating mechanism fordraining off the condensate from the technological apparatus, is

connected with the said unit 37 for controlling the steam supply andoperated thereby. The unit 38 is also connected to the unit 36,connecting the technological apparatus 1 with the atmosphere for settingit to the initial position in the duty with an excessive pressure in thetechnological apparatus 1, developed by the heating steam, and to thecircuit 12 for prescribing the cooling program in order to put thiscircuit into operation. The control unit is also provided with a unit 39(FIG. 3) for controlling the diaphragm-actuating mechanism 6 (FIG. 1)for eliminating the vacuum after creating this vacuum according to aprescribed cooling program, connected to the circuit 12 (FIG. 1) forprescribing the cooling program, and a signalling unit 40 (FIG. 3),indicating the commencement and end of the process of boiling and vacuumcooling, connected to the unit 35 for selection of the operatingconditions and for starting the system and to the circuit 12 (FIG. 1).

The unit 35 (FIG. 3) for selection of the operating conditions of thetechnological apparatus and for starting the system incorporates astarting element in the form of a pneumatic button 41, connected to thesaid power-supply unit 13 (FIG. I), and commutating elements in the formof pneumatic toggle switches 42 and 43 (FIG. 3), connected with thepneumatic button 41.

The unit 36 for controlling the diaphragm-actuating mechanism 2 (FIG.1), connecting the technological apparatus I with the atmosphere,comprises a circuit 44 (FIG. 3)

for controlling the apparatus in the duty without an excessive puts areconnected to the said control circuits 44 and 45, and a control signalpower amplifier 47, connected to the said element 46.

The circuit 44, used for controlling the technological apparatus in theduty without an excessive pressure, comprises a memory unit for storingthe signal, opening the diaphragm-actuating mechanism, which connectsthe technological apparatus with the atmosphere. The memory unit isbased on pneumatic relay 48 and 49 and is connected with a commutatingelement made in the form of a pneumatic toggle switch 42, operating thecircuit 44.

The circuit used for controlling the technological apparatus in the dutywith an excessive pressure comprises a memory cell for storing thesignal which operates the diaphragm-actuating mechanism, connecting thetechnological apparatus with the atmosphere. The memory cell is builtaround pneumatic relays 50 and 51 and connected to the pneumatic toggleswitch 43, operating the circuit 45.

The circuit 45 also comprises a pneumatic relay 52, a pneumatic valve53, and a variable pneumatic throttle 54 for setting the operating timeof the diaphragm-actuating mechanism.

The unit 37 for controlling the steam supply comprises the followingcomponents: a memory cell built around pneumatic relays 55, 56' and usedfor storing the signal, operating the temperature control unit, the saidmemory unit being connected to the pneumatic button 41; an electrictime-delay relay 57; a pneumatic converter 58 for energizing thetimedelay relay 57, connected to the pneumatic relay of the memory cell,and an electropneumatic transducer 59 for erasing the signal in thememory unit, connected to the pneumatic relay 56 and to the time-delayrelay 57.

The unit 38 for controlling the diaphragm-actuating mechanism 4 (FIG.1), draining off the condensate from the technological apparatus 1,comprises a memory cell employing pneumatic relays 60 and 61 (FIG. 3)for storing the signal, controlling the operation of thediaphragm-actuating mechanism. The memory cell is connected with theelectropneumatic transducer 59. The unit 38 is provided with a devicebuilt around a pneumatic relay 62, a pneumatic relay 63 and a variablepneumatic throttle 64 and used for adjusting the operating time of thediaphragm-actuating mechanism and erasing the information stored in thememory of the considered unit and the control circuit 44 in the dutywithout an excessive pressure, and also with a control signal poweramplifier 65, operating a corresponding diaphragm-actuating mechanismand having an input connected to the output of the memory cell of theconsidered unit.

The unit 39 controlling the diaphragm actuating mechanism 6 (FIG. 1) foreliminating the vacuum in the technological apparatus 1 comprises adevice built around a pneumatic relay 66 (FIG. 1) and a variablethrottle 67 and used for adjusting the operating time of thediaphragm-actuating mechanism 6 (FIG. 1) after rising the vacuum, theabove-said device being connected to the circuit 13 for prescribing thecooling program. The unit 39 also comprises a valve 68 (FIG. 3) forfeeding the said device used for adjusting the operating time and apower amplifier 69, amplifying the signal, operating thediaphragm-actuating mechanism, and being connected with the pneumaticrelay 66 of the above-said device.

The signalling unit 40, indicating the commencement and end of theprocess of boiling and vacuum cooling, comprises signalling elements 70and 71, pneumatic transducers 72 and 73 which convert the signal of thecommencement and end of the process of boiling and are connected withthe pneumatic button 41, and a device, adjusting the operating time ofthe pneumatic transducer 73, built around a pneumatic relay 74 and avariable pneumatic throttle 75. The pneumatic relay 74 is fed through avalve 76.

The circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration comprises a timing unit 78, employed for coding theswitching signals in a binary code and connected to the unit 77 (FIG.4), preparing the circuit for the operation; a

decoder 79; a unit 80; having pulse shapers for adjusting the time delayof the signals fed from the decoder 79, and a commutator 81. Connectedto the shaper unit is a starting unit 82. In order to perform theprogram of vacuum cooling when the curve of the output signal variationhas a linear and exponential sections, the circuit, prescribing theprogram of vacuum cooling and dehydration, is provided with a unit 83used for prescribing the rate of setting the linear sections of theprogram and connected to the decoder 79 and commutator 81, a unit 84used for prescribing the threshold of the linear sections and connectedwith the decoders 79, and units 85 and 86 for prescribing the timeconstant and asymptote of the exponential sections, respectively. Theunit 85 is connected with the decoder 79, while the unit 86 is connectedwith the decoder 79 and with the unit 85. The switching of thecomponents of the circuit and the power amplification are effected bythe unit 87 which is connected to the decoder 79 and to the units 83,84, 85, and 86. The output of the circuit 88, prescribing the program ofvacuum cooling, is connected to the input of the regulator 11 (FIG. 1).

The preparing unit 77 (FIG. 4) comprises valves 89 and 90 for passingthe preparatory signal and a starting element in the form of a pneumaticbutton 91 connected with the said valves 89 and 90.

The timing unit 78 comprises memory cells 92, 93, 94, and 95.

The decoder 79 is provided with an inverter 96 for conversion of thesingle input signal into a zero signal and vice versa, and with valves97, 98, 99 and 100 for passing the control signals.

The unit 80 of the pulse shapers has pneumatic valves 101, 102, 103, 104and variable throttles 105, 106 and 107.

The commutator 81 is built around OR elements 108, 109 and 110, whereasthe starting unit 82 includes a memory cell 111 for storing thetriggering pulse and a shaper 112 shaping pulses for erasing the signalin the aforesaid memory cell 1 1 1.

The unit 83, prescribing the rate of setting the linear sections,comprises valves 113, 114, 115, 116, 117 and 118 for preparing this unitfor the operation, a constant-drop cell 120 for continuously feeding theabove-mentioned valve 118 and variable capacitors 121, 122, 123 and 124for accurate adjustment of the rate of setting the linear sections.

The unit 84, prescribing the threshold of the linear sections, comprisescells 125, 126, 127 and 128 for prescribing the necessary values of thethresholds and pneumatic valves 129, 130, 131, and 132 for sending asignal for shaping the linear sections.

The unit 85, presetting the time constant of the exponential sections,comprises pneumatic valves 133 and 134 for preparing the above-mentionedunit 85 for operation, inertia cells 135, 136, 137 and 138 and pneumaticvalves 139, 140, 141, and 142 for sending a signal for shaping arequired exponential section.

The unit 86 for presetting the asymptotes of the exponential sections isbuilt around cells 143, 144, 145 and 146, setting the required values ofthe asymptotes, and pneumatic valves 147, 148, 149 and 150, shaping thesignal.

The unit 87 for switching the circuit components and for poweramplification of the output signal consists of the following elements: acomparison element 151, transferring the program of shaping from theshaping of the linear sections to the shaping of the exponentialsections, a first accumulator 152 for continuous summation of thesignals corresponding to the threshold of the linear sections and to thecurrent values of the exponential sections, a second accumulator 153 forsummation of the signals corresponding to the threshold of the linearsections and of the asymptotes of the exponential sections, a comparisonelement 154 whose input is connected to the second accumulator 153 andoutput is connected to the above-said timing unit 78, a switch 156connected to the above-said unit 83, prescribing the rate of setting thelinear sections, to the comparison element 151 and to the first summator152, and a power amplifier 157, amplifying the control signal andconnected to the said switch 156, the above-mentioned elements 151 and154 and the power amplifier 157 being provided with a negative feedbackcircuit.

Below is given the time diagram of the operation of the technologicalapparatus in two duties.

The control unit 7 (FIG. 1) provides for operation of the technologicalapparatus 1 in two duties the diagram of which is given above.

In the duty with an excessive pressure in the technological apparatus atthe moment of starting the 10 into 12 the control unit 7 sends signalsfor opening the diaphragm-actuating mechanism 2 and for operating thetemperature regulator 9.

The diaphragm-actuating mechanism 2 connects the technological apparatus1 with the atmosphere. This communication is efiected in 10 to 12minutes and time is adjusted by means of the variable throttle 54 (FIG.3) of the circuit 45 of the unit 36, the throttle 54 providing for awider adjustment: within 0 to 20 min. The time of boiling of the tunameat may be prescribed within the time interval ranging from 0 to 4hours with the aid of the time-delay relay 57 of the unit 37.

After the end of the process of boiling, the condensate is drained offfrom the technological apparatus with the help of thediaphragm-actuating mechanism 4. The latter is held in the opencondition within 10 to 12 minutes by the variable throttle 64, thethrottle 64 being capable of effecting a wider control of the openingtime, that is, from 0 to 20 minutes.

After the drainage of the condensate and closing of thediaphragm-actuating mechanism 4 (FIG. 4) the process of vacuum coolingof the tuna meat is started in accordance with a corresponding programwhich makes it possible to reduce the cooling time from 12-24 hours to25-30 minutes alongside with the provision of high quality of theproduct.

The duty without an excessive pressure differs from that with anexcessive pressure in that the operation without an excessive pressurethe technological apparatus communicates with the atmosphere during thewhole time from the start of the boiling process to the start of theprocess of vacuum cooling.

The circuit 12 for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling shapes anoutput signal by the known function, the plot of which (FIG. 5)represents a compound curve consisting of a linear section 158 andexponential section 159. This function is characterized by the angle ofinclination of the straight line, the threshold of its rising, the timeconstant of the exponent and by the value of its asymptote.

The output signal 12 (FIG. 1) is varied according to four functions,following one another. In this case the number of the functions isdetermined by a particular problem and may be unlimited.

When describing the operation of the system, the following designationsare adopted: the chambers of the pneumatic elements are marked by theletters of the Roman alphabet, while a digit adjacent to the letterdesignates the number of the element on the schematic diagram. Forexample, chamber B stands for the chamber B of the element 56. Thenozzles of the pneumatic relays are marked by the letter C of the Romanalphabet. The digit 2" adjacent to the letter C designates the uppernozzle of the relay, the digit l denotes the lower nozzle. The seconddigit adjacent to the letter C denotes the number of the relay on theschematic diagram, for example: C denotes the upper nozzle of the relay60.

It will be noted, that the discrete signal 1 represents a pulse ofcompressed air under a pressure of 1.4 kgJcmF, while the signal 0corresponds to the atmospheric pressure.

The system operates as follows.

After supplying the compressed air through the reducers 21 and 22 (FIG.2), the pressure of L4 kg./cm. is set by employing the manometers 23 and24. By means of the elements 27, 28 and 29 for prescribing the excessivepressures and with the aid of the manometers 31, 32 and 33, a pressureof 0.8 kg./cm. is set, whereas the element 30 is used for setting apressure 0.4 l g./cm. checked by the manometer 34.

Let us consider the operation of the technological apparatus 1 (FIG. 1)in the duty without an excessive pressure.

For the provision of this duty the pneumatic toggle switches 42 and 43(FIG. 3) are set to the position in which the chamber A, is connectedwith the output of the pneumatic button 41, while the chamber A isswitched off from this button. Thus, the memory cell of the circuit 44is switched on to control the diaphragm-actuating mechanism,communicating the technological apparatus with the atmosphere in theduty without an excessive pressure.

In the initial position (after supplying the compressed air andproviding the excessive pressures) the nozzles C and C are closed, whilethe nozzles C and C are open.

As a result, the air fed into the nozzle C does not pass through thenozzle C to the output of the pneumatic relay 48, the output signal ofthe circuit 44 thus being equal to 0.

By pressing the pneumatic button 41, the signal l through the pneumatictoggle switch 42 is applied into the chamber A and then through thenozzle C into the chamber C When the pressure in the chamber C is equalto or exceeds the excessive pressure in the chamber B.,,,, the nozzle Cis closed, the nozzle C is opened, the air from the output of thepneumatic relay 49 being supplied therethrough into the chamber C andthe signal l appears at the output of the pneumatic relay 48, whichsignal remains after switching off the pulse from the pneumatic button41. Through the OR" element 46 this signal is fed to the input of theamplifier 47 and amplified thereby. From the output of the amplifier thesignal is applied to the diaphragm-actuating mechanism 2 (FIG. I openingit.

Thus, the technological apparatus is connected with the atmosphere.

The signal I from the pneumatic button 41 (FIG. 3) is simultaneously fedto the input of the pneumatic relay 55 of the memory cell of the controlunit 37 and to the technological apparatus. After storing the signal inthe considered cell a signal 1 appears at the output of the pneumaticrelay 55 which signal switches on the temperature pneumatic regulator 9(FIG. 1). At the same time, the signal 1" is applied to thepneumoelectric transducer 58 the normally open contacts of which areclosed and switch on the timedelay relay 57, prescribing the time ofboiling. When the predetermined time of boiling is over, the contact ofthe time-delay relay switches on the circuit of the coil of thepneumatic transducer 59, at the output of which appears the signal 1 fedinto the chamber B The nozzle C is closed, cutting ofi the supply ofair, while the nozzle C is opened through which the air from the chamberC through the nozzle C is discharged into the atmosphere. The memorycell of the unit 37 is set to the initial position, the stored signal iserased, and the signal l appears at the output of the unit, which signalremains after the disappearance of the signal l from the output of theelectropneumatic transducer 59.

During the operation of the unit 37 the temperature is controlled in thefollowing manner.

A pneumatic signal, varying proportionally to the change of temperaturein the technological apparatus, is applied to the regulator 9 from thetemperature pickup 8.

In the regulator 9 this signal is compared with the signal correspondingto the predetermined temperature of boiling of the tuna meat, and apneumatic signal is shaped which controls the diaphragm-actuatingmechanism 3 effecting the supply of steam into the technologicalapparatus.

The signal 1" from the electropneumatic transducer 59 (FIG. 3) issimultaneously applied into the chamber B and into the chamber A of thememory cell of the unit 38. The memory cell stores the signal l andapplied it to the amplifier 65 which amplifies this signal. From theoutput of the amplifier 65 the signal is fed to the diaphragm-actuatingmechanism 4 (FIG. 1) for draining off the condensate from thetechnological apparatus. The adjustment of the duration of the controlsignal is effected by an adjusting device com- 10 prising the pneumaticrelay 62 (FIG. 3) and the variable throttle 64 (FIG. 3).

The signal 1 from the output of the pneumatic relay 60 is fed to theinput of the variable throttle 64. Depending upon the cross section ofits controllable orifice, the rate of filling the chamber C is varied,and, therefore, the memory time of the signal l in the memory cell ofthe unit 38 is also varied.

When the pressure in the chamber C becomes equal to or higher than theexcessive pressure in the chamber B,,,, the nozzle C closes, while thenozzle C opens and the chamber and B will be fed with air. As a result,the memory cells of the units 36 and 38 will be reset to the initialstate, and the signal 0" will appear at the outputs thereof. Thediaphragm-actuating mechanisms will be closed, thus preparing thetechnological apparatus to the process of vacuum cooling.

After erasing the signals in the memory cell of the unit 38 (FIG. 3) thenozzle of the pneumatic valve 63 is open, through which the pressurefrom the chamber C is released into the atmosphere. The unit 38 is setto the initial position.

At the same time, the signal 1" from the output of the pneumatic relay62 is fed to the circuit 12 (FIG. 1) for prescribing the program ofvacuum cooling, putting this circuit into operation.

As seen from FIG. 5, after creating the vacuum in the technologicalapparatus, it is eliminated by the diaphragm-actuating mechanism 6(FIG. 1) controlled by the unit 39 (FIG. 3).

In the initial condition of .the unit 39 the nozzles C and C are closed,while the nozzles C and C, are open. At the output of the valve 68 thereis the signal I," shaped by the feed supplied through the nozzle C tothe input of the valve 68. As the nozzle C connected with the output ofthe pneumatic valve 68, is closed, the signal 0 appears at the output ofthe pneumatic relay 66 and, therefore, there is not any control signalat the output of the amplifier 69. The diaphragm-actuating mechanism 6(FIG. 1) is closed.

At the instant the program of vacuum is formed by the circuit 12, thesignal 1, fed from the circuit 12, is applied into the chamber B and tothe input of the variable throttle 67 of the unit 39 of the control unit(FIG. 3), and under the action of this signal the nozzle C is closed andthe nozzle C is opened. The signal 0" is shaped at the output of thepneumatic relay 68. The chamber C through the variable throttle 67 isfilled at a rate predetermined by the throttle 67.

When the pressure in the chamber C becomes equal to or higher than theexcessive pressure in the chamber B the nozzle C closes and the nozzle Copens. At the moment when the signal 1" disappears from the circuit 12(FIG. I) under the action of the excessive pressure in the chamber C(FIG. 3) the signal l appears at the output of the pneumatic relay 66which is fed through the nozzle C to the input of the amplifier 69. Thissignal exists until the compressed air is discharged from the chamber Cthrough the variable throttle 67. Then the nozzle C is closed, while thenozzle C is open, and the signal I," existing at the output of thepneumatic relay 66, is fed into the atmosphere. The unit 39 is reset tothe initial condition. The signal l from the amplifier 69 is fed to thediaphragm-actuating mechanism 6 (FIG. 1), opening it. The vacuum in thetechnological apparatus is filled with air from the atmosphere.

When the starting the system into operation, the signal l from pneumaticbutton 41 (FIG. 3) is fed to the pneumoelectric transducer 71 of theunit 40, the normally open contact of which is closed, switching on thesignalling element 70 which indicates the commencement of the process ofboiling and vacuum cooling of the tuna meat.

The pneumatic valve 76, relay 74, and variable throttle 75 arecommutated similarly to the corresponding elements of the unit 39. Afterthe process of vacuum cooling is over, the signal 1" is fed from thecircuit 12 (FIG. 1) to the chamber B (FIG. 3) and to the input of thevariable throttle 75 of the unit 40, putting the latter into operation.The signal l from the output of the pneumatic relay 74 is applied to thepneumatic transducer 73 whose normally open contact switches on thesignalling element 72 which indicates the end of the boiling and vacuumcooling of the tuna meat.

The operation of the circuit for prescribing the program of vacuumcooling of the tuna meat (FIG. 4) is considered by way of example ofshaping the output signal according to the first function 160 (FIG. 5).

On pressing the pneumatic button 21 (FIG. 3), the chambers C and C arefed with a signal 1, under the action of which the noules C and C areforced open.

As a result, the signal l appears at the output of the pneumatic valves89 and 90 of the unit 77 which is fed into the chambers B E B and E ofthe memory cells 93 and 95 of the timing unit 78. Under the action ofthis signal, the nozzles C C are closed and the nozzles C and C areopened.

Compressed air is discharged from the memory cells 92, 93, 94 and 95into the atmosphere through the nozzles C C and through the chambers Aand A The signals 0" appear at the outputs 161 and 162. The signal 0"from the output 161 is fed into the chamber B and to the nozzles C and Cof the valves 97 and 98, while the signal 0" from the output 162 is fedinto the chambers C B C B The inverter 96 and the valves 97, 98, 99 and100 of the unit 79 are connected in such a manner that in the consideredcase the signal 1" appears only at the output of the pneumatic valve100, whereas the signal 0 is shaped at the outputs of the pneumaticvalves 97, 98 and 99. The signal l from the output of the pneumaticvalve 100 is applied to the nozzle C and into the chambers B B B B Underthe action of this signal, the nozzles C C C and C2441 are forced open.

As a consequence, the compressed air from the pneumatic capacitancethrough the nozzles C and C2414 is discharged into the atmosphere, i.e.the cell 119 of the unit 83 for prescribing the rate of setting thelinear reaction, is prepared for the operation; the prescribing of thethreshold of the linear section is applied to the chambers B E and Cwhile the prescribing of the asymptote of the exponent is applied to thenozzle C2400 and into the chamber E The signals in the chambers E and Care summed up and from the output of the summator 153 are fed into thechamber B, of the comparison element 154, the signal 0" appearing at theoutput thereof, as under the action of the input signal the nozzle C isclosed and the nozzle C is opened.

When applying the signal l from the output of the pneumatic relay 62(FIG. 3) of the unit 38 of the control unit into the chamber C (FIG. 4)of the unit 82 of the circuit for prescribing the program of vacuumcooling and dehydration, the signal 1" appears at the output of thepneumatic relay 162 of the unit 82, the duration of the signal beingadjusted by the variable throttle 163. This signal is applied into thechamber C The signal l is formed at the output of the pneumatic relay104, which is fed through the OR" element 110 of the commutator 81 intothe chambers B C C 8, The nozzles C C C and C connected with theatmosphere, are closed.

The unit 83 for prescribing the rate of setting the linear sectionstarts to shape a corresponding signal, amplified by the follower 164and fed through the nozzle C to the amplifier 157 whose output isconnected with the chambers C and C If the signals in the chambers C andB are equal, a signal 1" appears at the output of the comparison element151 which is fed into the chamber B of the switch 156 and through thevalve 134 into the chamber C As a result, the pneumatic relay 156 isswitched over, closing the nozzle C passing the signal from the unit 83for prescribing the rate of setting the linear section, and opening thenozzle C through which is fed the signal from the unit 85 for presettingthe time constant of the exponent. The pneumatic relay 160 is opened forpassing the signal from the unit 85, presetting the asymptote of theexponent, to the unit for presetting the time constant of the exponent,which, just as an electrical RC- circuit, forms an inertia link:

P/ I)+P=Pi. where T=claR0is the time constant of the inertia link,

ais the conductance of the variable pneumatic throttle 163 C is thevolume of the capacitance 165,

R and Q are gas constant and absolute air temperatures respectively,

p. is the input pressure,

P is the output pressure.

The signal from the unit 85, amplified by the follower 166, is fed intothe chamber C and added up to the prescribing of the threshold of thelinear section.

The signal from the output of the accumulator 152 through the pneumaticrelay 156 and amplifier 157 is applied to the regulator 11 (FIG. 1) foradjusting the vacuum.

if the pressure in the chamber C becomes equal to or higher than the sumof pressures of the threshold of the linear section and of the asymptoteof the exponent, in the chamber B a pulse l is produced at the output ofthe comparison element 154, which is fed into the chambers G and F ofthe memory cells 92 and 93, switching the unit 78 over for forming theoutput pressure according to the next function.

The vacuum is adjusted in the following manner.

The signals from the circuit 12 and from the vacuum pickup 10 (H6. 1)are fed to the regulator 11. The regulator 11 compares these signals,produces a control signal and sends it to the diaphragm-actuatingmechanism 5, controlling it so as to provide a vacuum in thetechnological apparatus under the necessary program.

The temperature and the vacuum in the technological apparatus may berecorded by any appropriate instrument.

The prescribing circuit may be employed in any branch of industry forcontrolling not only the vacuum but also the pressure, temperature,consumption and any other physical parameter, varying in accordance withthe plot shown in FIG. 5.

It is to be understood that the form of the invention described hereinand shown in the appended drawings is to be taken as a preferred exampleof the same, and that various changes and modifications of the inventionmay be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

These changes and modifications are considered within the spirit andscope of the present invention which are the subject of the foregoingclaims.

1. A system for automatic control of the process of boiling, vacuumcooling, draining a condensate and dehydration of foodstuffs, preferablymeat and fish in a chamber employed for treating the foodstuffs,comprising in combination: a control unit for sending control signalsthrough time intervals, a circuit for prescribing the program of vacuumcooling and dehydration connected to said control unit, a unit forcontrolling the temperature of boiling the foodstuffs connected to saidcontrol unit, an actuating mechanism controlled by said control unit andconnecting the chamber with the atmosphere, an actuating mechanism fordraining ofi condensate from the chamber controlled by said controlunit, and an actuating mechanism for controlling the temperatureconnected to said temperature control unit.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 comprising a unit for controlling theprocess of vacuum cooling and dehydration of foodstuffs by driving theactuating mechanism and producing a vacuum in the chamber connected tosaid circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration, said control unit and said circuit for prescribing theprogram of vacuum cooling and dehydration including a feedback means,the control unit being connected to the actuating mechanism foreliminating the vacuum.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said control unit comprises aunit for selection of the operating conditions of the chamber and forstarting the system connected to and controlling the actuating mechanismconnecting the chamber with the atmosphere, a unit for regulation of thesteam supply for putting into operation said unit controlling thetemperature of boiling the foodstuffs connected with said unit forselection of the operating conditions and for starting the system; aunit to control said actuating mechanism for draining off the condensatefrom the chamber connected to said unit for controlling the steam supplyand operated thereby and to the unit for controlling the actuatingmechanism connecting the chamber with the atmosphere and setting thelatter to the initial condition in the duty with an excessive pressurein the chamber built up by the heating steam, and connected to saidcircuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling and dehydration toput the latter circuit into operation; a unit for controlling saidmechanism eliminating the vacuum after creating a vacuum according to apredetermined cooling program, said unit for controlling said mechanismbeing connected to said circuit for prescribing the program of vacuumcooling and dehydration; a unit indicating the commencement and end ofthe process of boiling, vacuum cooling and dehydration connected to saidunit for selection of the operating conditions and for starting thesystem and to said circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum coolingand dehydration.

4. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said unit for selection of theoperating conditions of the technological apparatus and for starting thesystem comprises a starting ele ment connected with said power supplyunit and commutating elements connected with said starting element.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said unit indicating thecommencement and end of the process of boiling, vacuum cooling anddehydration comprises a signalling element, a pneumoelectric transducerof the signal connected to said starting element and indicating thecommencement and end of the process of boiling and cooling, a means foradjusting the duration of the control signal controlling said signallingelement and connected to said unit for prescribing the program ofcooling and a valve for feeding said means for adjusting the duration ofthe control signal. 7

6. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said unit for controlling theactuating mechanism connecting the chamber with the atmosphere comprisesa control circuit operating in the duty with an excessive pressure; acontrol circuit operating in the duty without an excessive pressure; anOR element whose inputs are connected to said control circuits; and acontrol signal power amplifier connected to said OR" element.

7. A system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said control circuitoperating in the duty without an excessive pressure comprises a memorycell for storing the signal which operates the actuating mechanismconnecting the chamber with the atmosphere, said memory cell beingconnected to a corresponding commutating element of said unit forselection of the operating conditions and for starting the system.

8. A system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said control circuitoperating in the duty without an excessive pressure comprises incombination: a memory cell for storing the signal operating theactuating mechanism for communication of the chamber with theatmosphere, said memory cell being connected to a correspondingcommutating element of said unit for selection of the operatingconditions and for starting the unit, and a means for adjusting theduration of the operating time of the actuating mechanism connected toand erasing the signal in said memory cell.

9. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said unit for controlling thesteam supply comprises a memory cell for storing the signal operatingsaid unit for controlling the temperature and connected to said startingelement; time-delay relay; a pneumoelectric transducer for switching onsaid time-delay relay connected to said memory cell; an electropneumatictransducer for erasing the signal in said memory cell, said transducerbeing connected to said memory cell and to said time-delay relay.

10. A system as claimed in claim 9 wherein said unit controlling theactuating mechanism for draining ofi the condensate comprises incombination: a memory cell for storing the signal controlling theoperation of said actuating mechanism connected to said electropneumatictransducer; means for adjusting the operating time of said actuatingmechanism and for erasing the memory of the considered control unit andof the control circuit in the duty without an excessive pressure; acontrol signal power amplifier operating said actuating mechanism, theinput of the power amplifier being connected to the output of the memorycell of the considered control unit.

11. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said unit for controlling theactuating mechanism for eliminating the vacuum comprises a means foradjusting the operating time of said actuating mechanism after settingthe vacuum, said means for adjusting the operating time being connectedto said circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration, a valve for feeding said means for adjusting the operatingtime, a signal-power amplifier to operate said actuating mechanism foreliminating the vacuum in the chamber connected to said means foradjusting the operating time.

12. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the circuit for prescribingthe program of vacuum cooling and dehydration comprises in combination:a unit for preparing the circuit for operation, a timing unit for codingswitching signals in a binary code connected to said preparing unit, adecoder of the output signals of the timing unit, a unit of pulseshapers for adjusting the time delay of the signals fed from saiddecoder, a signal commutator commutating the signals of said pulseshapers, a starting unitconnected to said unit of pulse shapers, a unitfor prescribingthe rate of setting linear sections of the program ofvacuum cooling and dehydration connected to said decoder and tosaidcommutator, a unit for prescribing the threshold of the linear sectionsof the program of vacuum cooling and dehydration connected to saiddecoder, a unit for presetting the time constant of exponential sectionsof the program of vacuum cooling and dehydration connected to saiddecoder, a unit for presetting the asymptote of the exponential sectionsof the program of vacuum cooling and dehydration connected tosaiddecoder and to the unit for presetting the time constant, and anoutput unit for switching the circuit components and for poweramplification of the output signal connected to said decoder to theunits for prescribing the rate of setting the threshold of the linearsections and to the units for presetting the time constant andasymptotes of the exponential sections.

13. A system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the preparing unit comprisesvalves for passing a ready-down signal and a starting element connectedto said valves.

14. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the unit for prescribingthe rate of setting the linear sections comprises valves for preparingthis unit for operation, a cell for prescribing the rate of setting, aconstant drop cell for the provision of a continuous supply of said cellfor prescribing the rate of setting, and variable capacitors foraccurately trimming the rate of setting the linear sections.

15. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said unit for prescribingthe threshold of the linear sections comprises a cell for setting thevalues of the thresholds and valves for producing the signal for shapingthe linear sections.

16. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said unit for presettingthe time constant of the exponential sections comprises valves forpreparing said unit for operation, inertia cells and valves forproducing the signal for shaping the necessary exponential signal.

17. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the unit for presetting theasymptotes of the exponential sections comprises cells for setting thevalues of the asymptotes and valves for shaping the signal.

18. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said unit for switching thecircuit components and for power amplification of the output signalcomprises in combination: a comparison element transferring the programfrom the shaping of the linear sections to the shaping of theexponential sections, a

first accumulator for continuously adding the signals corresponding tothe threshold of the linear sections and to their current values, asecond accumulator for adding the signals corresponding to the thresholdof the linear section and to the asymptote of the exponential section, acomparison element whose input is connected to the second accumulatorand whose output is connected to said timing unit, a switch connected tosaid unit for prescribing the rate of setting the linear sections to thecomparison element and to the first accumulator, and a control signalpower amplifier connected to said switch, said comparison elements andpower amplifier being provided with a feedback circuit.

19. A system as claimed in claim 12 wherein said timing'unit comprisesmemory cells. t

20. A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the commutator comprisesOR" elements.

21. A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said starting unitcomprises a memory cell for storing a triggering pulse and a pulseshaper for erasing the signal in said memory cell. i

22. A system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the decoder comprises aninverter for conversion of a single-shot input signal into a zero signaland a zero signal into a single-shot input signal, and values forpassing command signals.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 comprising a unit for controlling theprocess of vacuum cooling and dehydration of foodstuffs by driving theactuating mechanism and producing a vacuum in the chamber connected tosaid circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration, said control unit and said circuit for prescribing theprogram of vacuum cooling and dehydration including a feedback means,the control unit being connected to the actuating mechanism foreliminating the vacuum.
 3. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidcontrol unit comprises a unit for selection of the operating conditionsof the chamber and for starting the system connected to and controllingthe actuating mechanism connecting the chamber with the atmosphere, aunit for regulation of the steam supply for putting into operation saidunit controlling the temperature of boiling the foodstuffs connectedwith said unit for selection of the operating conditions and forstarting the system; a unit to control said actuating mechanism fordraining off the condensate from the chamber connected to said unit forcontrolling the steam supply and operated thereby and to the unit forcontrolling the actuating mechanism connecting the chamber with theatmosphere and setting the latter to the initial condition in the dutywith an excessive pressure in the chamber built up by the heating steam,and connected to said circuit for prescribing the program of vacuumcooling and dehydration to put the latter circuit into operation; a unitfor controlling said mechanism eliminating the vacuum after creating avacuum according to a predetermined cooling program, said unit forcontrolling said mechanism being connected to said circuit forprescribing the program of vacuum cooling and dehydration; a unitindicating the commencement and end of the process of boiling, vacuumcooling and dehydration connected to said unit for selection of theoperating conditions and for starting the system and to said circuit forprescribing the program of vacuum cooling and dehydration.
 4. A systemas claimed in claim 3 wherein said unit for selection of the operatingconditions of the technological apparatus and for starting the systemcomprises a starting element connected with said power supply unit andcommutating elements connected with said starting element.
 5. A systemas claimed in claim 4, wherein said unit indicating the commencement andend of the process of boiling, vacuum cooling and dehydration comprisesa signalling element, a pneumoelectric transducer of the signalconnected to said starting element and indicating the commencement andend of the process of boiling and cooling, a means for adjusting theduration of the control signal controlling said signalling element andconnected to said unit for prescribing the program of cooling and avalve for feeding said means for adjusting the duration of the controlsignal.
 6. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said unit forcontrolling the actuating mechanism connecting the chamber with theatmosphere comprises a control circuit operating in the duty with anexcessive pressure; a control circuIt operating in the duty without anexcessive pressure; an ''''OR'''' element whose inputs are connected tosaid control circuits; and a control signal power amplifier connected tosaid '''' OR'''' element.
 7. A system as claimed in claim 6, whereinsaid control circuit operating in the duty without an excessive pressurecomprises a memory cell for storing the signal which operates theactuating mechanism connecting the chamber with the atmosphere, saidmemory cell being connected to a corresponding commutating element ofsaid unit for selection of the operating conditions and for starting thesystem.
 8. A system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said control circuitoperating in the duty without an excessive pressure comprises incombination: a memory cell for storing the signal operating theactuating mechanism for communication of the chamber with theatmosphere, said memory cell being connected to a correspondingcommutating element of said unit for selection of the operatingconditions and for starting the unit, and a means for adjusting theduration of the operating time of the actuating mechanism connected toand erasing the signal in said memory cell.
 9. A system as claimed inclaim 3 wherein said unit for controlling the steam supply comprises amemory cell for storing the signal operating said unit for controllingthe temperature and connected to said starting element; time-delayrelay; a pneumoelectric transducer for switching on said time-delayrelay connected to said memory cell; an electropneumatic transducer forerasing the signal in said memory cell, said transducer being connectedto said memory cell and to said time-delay relay.
 10. A system asclaimed in claim 9 wherein said unit controlling the actuating mechanismfor draining off the condensate comprises in combination: a memory cellfor storing the signal controlling the operation of said actuatingmechanism connected to said electropneumatic transducer; means foradjusting the operating time of said actuating mechanism and for erasingthe memory of the considered control unit and of the control circuit inthe duty without an excessive pressure; a control signal power amplifieroperating said actuating mechanism, the input of the power amplifierbeing connected to the output of the memory cell of the consideredcontrol unit.
 11. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said unit forcontrolling the actuating mechanism for eliminating the vacuum comprisesa means for adjusting the operating time of said actuating mechanismafter setting the vacuum, said means for adjusting the operating timebeing connected to said circuit for prescribing the program of vacuumcooling and dehydration, a valve for feeding said means for adjustingthe operating time, a signal-power amplifier to operate said actuatingmechanism for eliminating the vacuum in the chamber connected to saidmeans for adjusting the operating time.
 12. A system as claimed in claim1 wherein the circuit for prescribing the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration comprises in combination: a unit for preparing the circuitfor operation, a timing unit for coding switching signals in a binarycode connected to said preparing unit, a decoder of the output signalsof the timing unit, a unit of pulse shapers for adjusting the time delayof the signals fed from said decoder, a signal commutator commutatingthe signals of said pulse shapers, a starting unit connected to saidunit of pulse shapers, a unit for prescribing the rate of setting linearsections of the program of vacuum cooling and dehydration connected tosaid decoder and to said commutator, a unit for prescribing thethreshold of the linear sections of the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration connected to said decoder, a unit for presetting the timeconstant of exponential sections of the program of vacuum cooling anddehydration connected to said decoder, a unit for presetting theasymptote of the exponential sections of the program of vacuum coolingand dehydration connected to said decoder and to the unit for presettingthe time constant, and an output unit for switching the circuitcomponents and for power amplification of the output signal connected tosaid decoder to the units for prescribing the rate of setting andthreshold of the linear sections and to the units for presetting thetime constant and asymptotes of the exponential sections.
 13. A systemas claimed in claim 12 wherein the preparing unit comprises valves forpassing a ready-down signal and a starting element connected to saidvalves.
 14. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the unit forprescribing the rate of setting the linear sections comprises valves forpreparing this unit for operation, a cell for prescribing the rate ofsetting, a constant drop cell for the provision of a continuous supplyof said cell for prescribing the rate of setting, and variablecapacitors for accurately trimming the rate of setting the linearsections.
 15. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said unit forprescribing the threshold of the linear sections comprises a cell forsetting the values of the thresholds and valves for producing the signalfor shaping the linear sections.
 16. A system as claimed in claim 13,wherein said unit for presetting the time constant of the exponentialsections comprises valves for preparing said unit for operation, inertiacells and valves for producing the signal for shaping the necessaryexponential signal.
 17. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein theunit for presetting the asymptotes of the exponential sections comprisescells for setting the values of the asymptotes and valves for shapingthe signal.
 18. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said unit forswitching the circuit components and for power amplification of theoutput signal comprises in combination: a comparison elementtransferring the program from the shaping of the linear sections to theshaping of the exponential sections, a first accumulator forcontinuously adding the signals corresponding to the threshold of thelinear sections and to their current values, a second accumulator foradding the signals corresponding to the threshold of the linear sectionand to the asymptote of the exponential section, a comparison elementwhose input is connected to the second accumulator and whose output isconnected to said timing unit, a switch connected to said unit forprescribing the rate of setting the linear sections to the comparisonelement and to the first accumulator, and a control signal poweramplifier connected to said switch, said comparison elements and poweramplifier being provided with a feedback circuit.
 19. A system asclaimed in claim 12 wherein said timing unit comprises memory cells. 20.A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the commutator comprises''''OR'''' elements.
 21. A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein saidstarting unit comprises a memory cell for storing a triggering pulse anda pulse shaper for erasing the signal in said memory cell.
 22. A systemas claimed in claim 12 wherein the decoder comprises an inverter forconversion of a single-shot input signal into a zero signal and a zerosignal into a single-shot input signal, and values for passing commandsignals.